Yes, at least the geographic local would be interesting, so long as the ultimate focus remains solidly forefront and in tact. Leading into critical points seems to cause a lot of stress and side talk is, rightly so, not appreciated.  Off topic chat causes much unneeded frustration to many. Especially to those who provide the most and best on task information (cuts into precious mental processing time). Once the intense times ease up it does help with relaxing (unwinding) by reading of a few (only a few at a time - please) experiences. That said, I would not like to see the forum slide into a social scene for its own sake.

Old Joe